Will Smith Banned From The Oscars, Academy Events For 10 Years

Will Smith’s Academy Award has not been revoked as a result of his assault on Chris Rock, but he has been barred from attending the Oscars and other Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences events for a decade.

In the wake of the incident, the King Richard star, who earned his first gold statue at the awards event on March 27, resigned from the Academy one week ago, and his resignation was accepted. The Academy Board of Governors met on Friday to examine disciplinary charges, which included Whoopi Goldberg, Laura Dern, Rita Wilson, and Steven Spielberg. The Academy apologized in a “Open Letter to Our Academy Family” for mishandling the matter during the telecast, as Smith stayed for the duration of the ceremony after slapping Rock.

In a letter obtained by Yahoo Entertainment, Academy President David Rubin and CEO Dawn Hudson said, “The 94th Oscars were meant to be a celebration of the many individuals in our community who did incredible work this past year; however, those moments were overshadowed by the unacceptable and harmful behavior we saw Mr. Smith exhibit on stage.”

“We did not appropriately address the issue in the room during our telecast. We apologize about this. We had a chance to set an example for our guests, viewers, and Academy family throughout the world, but we failed miserably – unprepared for the unprecedented, “They went on. “In addition to receiving Will Smith’s resignation, the Board of Governors held a meeting today to discuss how best to respond to his behavior at the Oscars. Mr. Smith will not be permitted to attend any Academy events or programs, in person or online, for a period of ten years beginning April 8, 2022, including but not limited to the Academy Awards.”

“We’d want to convey our gratitude to Mr. Rock for retaining his cool in the face of adversity. We’d also like to express our gratitude to our hosts, nominees, presenters, and winners for their poise and grace throughout the show “The letter continues.
“This measure, taken in response to Will Smith’s behavior, is a first step toward a wider goal of ensuring the safety of our performers and guests, as well as rebuilding trust in the Academy. We also hope that this will mark the start of a period of healing and repair for all those engaged and affected.”
Despite the fact that numerous critics have called for Smith’s Oscar to be revoked, Goldberg remarked last week that she did not believe that was a credible penalty, and the Academy does not appear to have given it serious consideration.
“I accept and respect the Academy’s decision,” Smith, 53, said in a statement sent through his representative.
Smith delivered a public mea culpa last week on Instagram, in addition to apologizing to the Academy and show attendees (but not to Rock) while winning his Best Actor medal during the ceremony. Smith also issued a second apology late in the week.
“My behavior at the 94th Academy Awards was shocking, unpleasant, and unforgivable. Chris, his family, many of my dear friends and loved ones, all those in attendance, and global viewers at home are among people I have hurt “Last Friday, the actor informed Yahoo Entertainment through his publicist.

“I betrayed the Academy’s trust. I took away the opportunity for other nominees and winners to celebrate and be recognized for their outstanding efforts. I’m devastated. I want to refocus attention on people who deserve it for their accomplishments, allowing the Academy to focus on the amazing work it does to foster filmmaking innovation and artistry “Smith went on.

“As a result, I am withdrawing from membership in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and I will accept any additional repercussions deemed appropriate by the Board,” he concluded. “Change takes time, and I’m determined to putting in the effort necessary to ensure that violence never again triumphs over reason.”

Smith added that he “responded directly to the Academy’s disciplinary hearing notice” and that he “will completely accept any and all repercussions for my actions.”
The event was examined by SAG-AFTRA, the union that represents actors, of which Smith is a member, and disciplinary action is being considered.
Rock has yet to adequately address the matter, despite declining to bring charges against Smith. A representative for the comedian did not respond to Yahoo’s request for comment.
Source: aol.com
Advertisement

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *